Total Control (18 page)

“Have fun, Gia,” he said.

We walked outside and Dana said something to the valet
guy. He pointed to a black limo and Dana waved for us to follow her. A good-looking man opened the limo door and we were on our way.

“Dana! You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?” It was gorgeous and I felt like a VIP.

We opened the champagne and enjoyed the ride to the restaurant. I was relieved when we pulled up at the Hard Rock Café. I would’ve been uncomfortable going into some places dressed like that. Dana said she’d felt the same way, which was why she picked it.

People watched as we were helped out by our good-looking chauffer. They probably wondered who the hell we were, that made me giggle. We ordered food and drinks and I was completely content. We all were.

Before we knew it, we were back in the limo and heading toward the concert venue with Sammy Hagar blaring through the speakers. We pulled up and again, I was sure people were wondering who the hell we were. I smiled and waved as I climbed out, like I really was someone they should know. Jo and Dana were laughing and I told them to stop blowing my cover.

We headed straight for the bar
and talked with all the guys in the line. We were in our element and we were gonna have some fun! We found a place to stand and were soon talking with all the people around us. Everyone was super cool and we were happy to have found a great spot right away.

I was
excited for the show to start. I’d heard about Hairball and how they sang rock hits from the 80s, even changing costumes to look like the singer they were emulating. It was right up my alley. Not to mention, it was a good excuse to rat out my hair and dress up!

The announcer took the stage and the c
rowd went wild. My heart beat faster and I got goose bumps. The feeling I had as I anticipated the band members rushing the stage was exactly that, a rush. A high, if you will, and I loved it.

T
hey came out and played “Still of the Night,” one of my favorite Whitesnake songs. We sang along, every word, just as we did with the next hour’s worth of songs. It was so awesome! The lead singer would go off stage and change clothes, wigs, sometimes makeup. Sometimes it was a different singer who came back out, I was totally entertained. They’d sing two of the biggest hits from each band and then change again. It was like we were at a new concert every ten or fifteen minutes! We wanted to run to the bar and use the bathroom, but we didn’t want to miss a second of the show. When they came out as Prince, singing Purple Rain, we took off. We loved Prince, it was just a slower song, so we took the break.

We got back just in time for a little taste of AC/DC! I was very pleased, they did it justice.
I couldn’t believe how much those guys looked and sounded like the real artists. It was really something.

When it was done, fireworks shot off from behind the stage.
It had been one hell of a show, and definitely worth the wait. We headed backstage for the after party.

“I can’t believe how exhausted I am
,” I told Jo and Dana. “When you know every word to every song, it takes a lot out of ya.”

“I know!” Jo said. “I don’t even have a buzz
. I danced off every swallow.”

“Should we just say hi to the guys and head back to the hotel?” Dana asked. “I’m with you two, I could easily
call it a night.”

We all agreed
, it would be an early night for us. We made our way to the back and found the guys we’d hung out with at the bar the night before.

“What did you think?” Lance asked.

“Oh my god, I absolutely loved it!” I told him. “It was so good. You guys are very entertaining!”

He smiled
. “Thanks, Gia.” Then he started visiting with Dana.

I looked over and saw Jo talking to another guy, I was pretty sure he was the
one she hung out with at the club, but couldn’t tell for sure with his costume on.

I was startled when someone grabbed me from behind.
“Hey, beautiful,” Zane whispered in my ear.

I pulled away from him. “Hi
,” I said.

“Aww, don’t be like that. Are you still mad at me for last night?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact I am. I got dumped because of you.”

His eyes got big and he turned serious. “What? You’re kidding me!”

“Do I look like I’m kidding?”

“Shit, Gia, I’m sorry.
” I thought for a second he really was, but he wasn’t. “Well, my offer still stands. I’ll be there for a couple more nights.”

He had some nerve!
“No, I think I’ll pass.” I walked away, but he followed me.

“Gia, I’m not that bad, really. Just have a drink with me, you’ll see.”

I stopped, turned, and got right in his face. “Zane, you’re not getting it. I’m not interested. We had a kiss, that’s it, and that’s all.”

“A kiss?
Really, Gia? We both know it was more than that.”

“No, it wasn’t,” I said, even though I knew I’d felt something more.

“Okay, I can see you don’t want to admit it now, even though you did last night, so I guess I’ll leave you alone.” He was disappointed.

“Thank you.” I turned to walk away again, but instead came face to face with Sean.

“Hey, Gia,” he said. He looked super sweet in his torn Levi’s and AC/DC t-shirt. His hair was mussed and he seemed very relaxed, unlike his professional look in the elevator.

“Sean! How’d you like the show?” I was relieved to see him. I hoped Zane would keep his word and back off.

“I thought it was kick-ass! What’d you think?” He was much different than he was at work.

“I loved it!”

“Can I get you a beer or something?” He was so young and sweet.

“Are you even old enough to drink beer?” I teased.

He smiled. “C’mon.” He grabbed my hand and led me through the crowd to the bar. I almost pulled my hand back, but I remembered my situation with Ethan and decided to go with it.

“What would you like
?” he asked.

“Michelob Ultra,” I said so the bartender could hear me.

“Make that two,” he told her. She smiled and nodded. The beer was free back there, but Sean gave her a very generous tip. He wasn’t cocky about it or wanting me to notice, but I did. He seemed quite mature for his age, even though I didn’t know how old he was, but I doubted he was much over twenty-five. He took both of the bottles in one hand with the necks between his fingers, put his other hand on the small of my back, and led me to an open space beyond the crowd. He handed me a beer and held his up. “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” We clinked our bottles. I couldn’t figure him out.

“
You’re a tough read,” I told him.

“As are you,” he said.

I was feeling a little weird. I had no idea what he was thinking. Usually, I could get a pretty reliable vibe from people, but he was giving me nothing. My natural instinct was to flirt with him, but I didn’t think that was a good idea. He was so young, and it was different here with him than it was in the elevator. In the elevator, he was working and our time was limited. I suddenly wanted to call Ethan. I had to know where we stood.

“I’m gonna use t
he restroom. I’ll be right back,” I told him.

“Okay. Do yo
u want me to walk you over?”

“No, I’m fine, but thank you
.” I smiled at him.

As soon as I got out of Sean’s sight, I called Ethan.
Please answer!

“Hello?”
Finally!

“
Ethan, oh my god, thank you for answering!” My heart started to beat faster.

“I’m sorry, Gia, I can’t do this
.” He sounded frazzled. I just had to know if he still loved me.

“Ethan
—” I started, but he interrupted.

“Gia, I can’t!” He hung up!

I just stood there, staring at my phone. I couldn’t believe he’d talked to me like that and then hung up on me! My eyes filled with tears. I walked into the bathroom and locked myself into a stall. I leaned against the door and cried silently. It was over. Ethan didn’t want me anymore. It was my fault, too. I’d hurt him and he couldn’t trust me to keep my hands to myself. Hell, I couldn’t even trust me.

I had to find Jo and Dana so we could get out of
there. I didn’t want to go back to Sean, but I knew he’d get worried and come looking for me. I decided to stay put and text Dana.

R u ready to go?

I waited. So many things were running through my mind. I’d spent the whole day knowing that Ethan would cool off and talk to me later, but that didn’t happen.
He “can’t do this,” what does he mean? He can’t talk to me? He can’t continue a relationship with me? What is it that he can’t do?
My phone beeped.

Jo & I r ok to stay, r u?

Shit, they’re having fun now.
I really had to go. I wanted some time alone anyway, it was okay with me if they stayed. I called her.

“Hey, sweetie, where are you?”
she asked.

“I’m over by the restrooms
.” I didn’t want to tell her I was actually
in
a stall. “I want you two to stay if you want to. I’m exhausted, so I’m just gonna go to bed when I get back, anyway.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. I’m just worn out.”

I could hear her telling Jo that I was ready to go. They were debating about what they should do.

“Dana, I really don’t mind if you guys stay. You know me, I like my quiet time.” I tried to convince them to stay because I could tell they’d gotten their second wind and were having a good time.

“
Okay, Gia, but take the car. Jo and I will either get a taxi or ride with these guys. Call me if you need something.”

I headed to the car. I
’d almost made it when Sean caught up with me.

“Where’s the fire?”
he asked.

“I’m sorry, Sean.”

“I was getting worried, and then I saw you heading out. What’s wrong, have you been crying, Gia?” He looked really concerned.

“I’m sorry, Sean
,” I repeated. “I’m tired. I’m heading back to the hotel.”

“By yourself?”

I nodded.

“Did I say something?”

“No, of course not.”

“Gia, I’m not trying to
hit on you. I just thought it would be fun to hang out and have a beer, as friends.” He was so sweet and innocent. It made me smile.

“I shouldn’t have ditched you, I’m sorry
. I can see why you think you did something wrong. It’s not you, Sean. A phone call upset me, that’s all.”

“Oh, good. I mean, it’s not good that you’re upset, but good that it wasn’t something I did.” He smiled and shook his head. “Are you sure you want to leave?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Will I see you tomorrow at the hotel?”

“
Will you ride the elevator sometime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.?”

“Yes,
” I smiled.

“Then you’ll see me.” He reached over and opened the car door for me. The driver, who was standing there, gave him a dirty look. “Good night, Gia.”

“Good night, Sean.”

I leaned back and
closed my eyes all the way to the hotel. I was relieved when we got there and I made my way up to the room quickly. When I got in, I leaned against the door and closed my eyes again. I wanted to talk to Ethan so bad. I knew he could get past what I did if he’d just listen to me. My eyes popped open. I’d send him an email! I kicked off my shoes and ran to my room. I changed into sweats and his t-shirt and hopped on my bed with my laptop.

I typed feverishly. I
said exactly what I was feeling. Something surprising happened, though. My mood changed several times, as did my attitude toward him, but I went with it. I immediately pushed ‘Send.’
Holy shit! Who knew writing it all down would turn it all around?
I had a smile on my face and I felt very liberated. I couldn’t believe I’d started the letter practically begging for his forgiveness, and then ended it by basically telling him off.

My heart was racing as I jumped up, grabbed a Marlboro and a diet A&W, and scrolled back up to read the letter in
its entirety. As I read, I recalled how I was feeling when I wrote it.
I started to feel it in paragraph three, but then went back to sucking up in paragraph four. By the end of paragraph four, however, it came back to me, and by the last paragraph I’d figured it out. Good for me!
I leaned back against the pillows I had propped up against the headboard and I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face. I finished my smoke and wondered what Mr. Sensitive would think when he read it.

I went to the bathroom, scrubbed my face
, and put my hair up. I hopped back on my bed and pulled up the website to the facility I was checking into on Monday. I was excited. I was gonna come out of there with a whole new outlook on life. I could feel it. The rush I felt from standing up for myself with Ethan was filling me with strength and courage! I knew he’d read it and realize he’d overreacted.